Philistines

The term that is transliterated as “Philistines” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the helmet the Philistine warriors wore was decorated with feather-like objects. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Philistines” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Philistines (source: Bible Lands 2012)

complete verse (2 Samuel 5:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 5:22:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then, the Philistines returned back and scattered themselves (spread out) in the valley of Rephaites.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Once again The Philistines came and spread out in Rephaim valley.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The Filistinhon came-back and camped at the Valley of Refaim.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then the Philistia army returned to Rephaim Valley and spread all over the valley.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Samuel 5:22

And: in some languages the transition word “But” may be more natural in this context, since people did not normally expect a defeated army to return. In other cases “Then” may be better, indicating the passage of a certain amount of time since the first battle.

Came up yet again: this seems to indicate a completely different battle, but taking place on the same battlefield.

Spread out: see verse 18.

Valley of Rephaim: see the comments on verse 18.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .